About NJSBDC

America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) were established in 1977 and can be found in every state in the U.S. Eleven SBDC regional offices are located throughout New Jersey. The SBDC at William Paterson University began serving area small business owners in April 1997.

A Partnership Program with the U.S Small Business Administration

NJ’s Small Business Development Centers – (NJSBDC) have been funded by public and private partners for more than three decades. The Small Business Administration is a major funding partner of the NJSBDC network. Funding is also provided through the state government, host institutions and other private and public partners.

Give Your Small Business an Edge

Starting and maintaining a successful small business requires a tremendous amount of planning and work. Maximizing your chances of success involves careful preparation and knowledge of current trends in small business development. Whether you’re just starting out or run an existing small business, William Paterson University’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) can provide expert advice and professional development services to help you launch or expand your business.

Housed within the University’s Cotsakos College of Business, William Paterson’s SBDC is a private organization of professional management consultants partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the New Jersey Business Action Center and other private institutions.

Our goal is to assist entrepreneurs and business owners in establishing and growing sustainable, successful small businesses—saving you time, money, and effort in finding the best solutions for your business needs.

Board of Advisors

Melissa Rosario, MBA

NJSBDC at William Paterson University
Regional Director

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Melissa Baralt, Ph.D.

SheCaucus and
Bee Better Than Me, LLC
President

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Stephen C. Betts, Ph.D.

William Paterson University
Professor of Management

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Orlando A. Cruz, CPM

Passaic County Commissioner | Chamber President | Economic Development Leader

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Tiffany L. Harris-Delaney, MBA, MPA

City of Paterson
Director of Economic Development

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Giancarlo Di Lonardo, MPP

County of Passaic
Director of Economic Development

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Carlos David Lopez

Tropical Juice Bar
Co-founder & COO

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Michelle Osorio

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Senior Small Business Liaison

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LaToya Pryce, Ph.D.

Visions Federal Credit Union
Culture & Inclusion Officer

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Carlos N. Sanchez

Union Township
Director of Economic Development

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Don Treich

Vintage City Offices Co-Owner
Real Estate Development Executive | Strategic Marketing Leader | Community Engagement Advocate

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Michelle Vernuccio, MBA

North Jersey Chamber of Commerce
President

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Contact Info

Phone: (973) 321-1378
Fax: (973) 321-1379
Email: sbdc@wpunj.edu
Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Appointment required for all locations

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Paterson Location

131 Ellison Street
Paterson, NJ 07505

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Wayne Location

Cotsakos College of Business - William Paterson University
1600 Valley Road, 4th Floor Room 403A
Wayne, NJ 07470

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Elizabeth Location

Vintage City
30 Union St
Elizabeth, NJ 07202

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The NJSBDC at William Paterson University is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and additional support from the New Jersey Business Action Center (BAC), as well as other private sector sponsorships and private/ public grants. All opinions, conclusions, and/ or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. All services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

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Melissa Rosario, MBA

NJSBDC at William Paterson University Regional Director

Melissa Rosario is a distinguished business leader and the Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at William Paterson University, where she supports the growth and success of small businesses in Passaic and Union Counties. With expertise in finance, marketing, and economic development, she has helped countless entrepreneurs access capital, scale their businesses, and navigate economic challenges. Previously, she served as Senior Director of Membership and Finance at the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, where she founded Women of Commerce (WOC), HOLA (Hispanic Organization Leaders of America), and Young Professionals Leaders of Hudson County (YPLHC)—initiatives designed to empower diverse business communities. She also leads the SheLeads Mentoring Program in New Jersey and is actively involved in the Global Entrepreneurs in Residence Program, a groundbreaking initiative supporting international founders in launching innovative businesses.

Melissa’s impact has been widely recognized, earning her honors from the Hudson County Board of Commissioners, East Orange City Council, and the City of Newark Municipal Council as an Influential Woman of the Year. She was also named a 2024 Leading Woman in Business by NJBiz and New Jersey’s 100 Innovators. A passionate advocate for small business success, Melissa continues to forge strategic partnerships and drive economic growth, as a transformative leader in New Jersey’s business and entrepreneurial landscape.

Melissa Baralt, Ph.D.

SheCaucus and Bee Better Than Me, LLC President

Melissa Baralt, Ph.D., is an energetic and devoted professor currently, she is a Master Educator in science at Berkeley College, and Montclair State University.

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science and a Master’s degree in Molecular Biology from Montclair State University. She was the recipient of the Bridges Scholarship for minorities in the sciences and it allowed her to further complete studies. She holds a PhD in Pathology and Immunology from Rutgers University.

In 2018, Dr. Baralt was a candidate for the school board election in Paterson, NJ. Shortly after, Dr. Baralt founded SheCaucus, a nonprofit to amplify women’s voices by developing leadership, education, and self-confidence. In 2019, she was appointed by the Mayor of Paterson as Commissioner of the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee (ABC). And currently serves as Chairwoman of the board for the city of Paterson. She has been directly involved with enforcement of NJ state law and local enforcement for business owners and license holders. She served as legislative aide to Councilman at Large Flavio Rivera. In 2020, she initiated her personal consulting business, Bee Better Than Me, LLC. A firm dedicated to the academic and professional advancement of individuals globally. This led to her forming part of the FTI group; a wraparound services firm committed to providing individualized services to the residents of Paterson. She has provided joint programming with: Prospanica, City of Paterson, Dominican Parade, Albert Einstein Medical School, United Latinas, New Jersey Academy of Science and Paterson School District. Continued involvement and a pursuit of civic action lead her to be a candidate for Council at Large for the city of Paterson in 2022. Since then, she has served as political advisor and content strategist on the campaign of Commissioner Dania Martinez for the Board of Education of Paterson.

Dr. Baralt is the recipient of several meritorious acknowledgements including: Senator Nellie Pou (Women’s Empowerment Award), Assemblyman Benjie Wimberley (Hats of Hope for Community Engagement), Odyssey International Award (Community Leadership), Councilwoman Dr. Lilisa Mims (Women who Rock), Councilman Alex Mendez (Dominican Women Leadership), Dominican Parade of Newark (Dominican Godmother), Dominican Parade of New Jersey (Humanitarian Award).

She is part of several community serving boards that have helped shape the lives of many. Including: The HealthCare Advisory Board for the city of Paterson, Prospanica New Jersey, Diversity and Inclusiveness taskforce Berkeley College, HeadStart Program for the city of Passaic, FLY Women’s Network, PEF (Paterson Education Fund), New Jersey Academy of Science, and recently Latinas United for Political Empowerment (LUPE), and P.I.F.F.Y (Pay it forward for the youth).

Her family is proud to help and support scholarship funding for up-and-coming Latino students. Through the Boys to Leaders Organization, she helps to fund the Baralt Family Scholarship. This is awarded to an undergraduate underrepresented Latino student in the tri-state area.

She continues to live in the city of Paterson alongside her husband Jon Rosario and their two boys: Liam and Milan Rosario.

Stephen C. Betts, Ph.D.

Professor of Management at William Paterson University

Stephen C. Betts, PhD, is a Professor of Management at William Paterson University . He has a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MS in Management Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and an MBA and PhD in Management from Rutgers University. Currently he teaches the Integrated Learning Capstone Experience and Crisis Management in the MBA program and Human Resource Management in the EdD program. In the MBA Capstone every year he guides over 200 students solve real business problems and develop business plans.

He is an active researcher with over fifty journal articles, six book chapters, eighty-five published proceedings and over a hundred-forty conference presentations. Three times he was awarded the ‘Bright Idea Award’ for best journal publication among New Jersey business faculty. Dr. Betts is a founding member, member of the Board of Directors and Fellow of the Institute For Global Business Research. His research interests include Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship, Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Experiential Learning, Positive Organizational Studies, Human Resource Management, Crisis Management, Multiple Jobholding, The ADA and Decision Making.

Before turning to academia full-time, Dr.Betts worked as an industrial engineer and with several consulting firms participating in live industrial sociodramas and facilitating group exercises in such subject areas as Building Strength Through Diversity, Work/ Home Family Balance, Burnout, The Maturing Worker, Sexism and Racism in the Workplace, Managerial Coaching, Organizational Transition, Teambuilding, Downsizing/ Outplacement, Sexual Harassment and Gender Communication.

Orlando A. Cruz, CPM

Passaic County Commissioner | Chamber President | Economic Development Leader

Orlando A. Cruz is a dedicated public servant and seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience in government, nonprofit leadership, and private sector management. He currently serves as a Passaic County Commissioner, where he chairs both the Budget and the Administration & Finance Committees. He also plays an active role in the Public Works Committee and sits on numerous boards, including the Passaic County Planning Board, Youth Services Commission, and the Downtown NJ Executive Board.

As President of the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce, Orlando leads strategic initiatives to support local businesses, promote economic growth, and foster strong public-private partnerships. He also serves as Executive Director of the Downtown Paterson Special Improvement District, where he oversees district operations, community events, and business engagement efforts that have revitalized the city’s commercial corridors.

Orlando brings a unique blend of experience from the private sector, having managed multi-million dollar operations and large-scale events, as well as provided financial and marketing consultation to small businesses. His early career with the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Works laid a strong foundation for his commitment to community service and effective municipal operations.

A Certified Public Manager (CPM) through Rutgers University and a proud graduate of Eastside High School in Paterson, NJ, Orlando is fluent in English and Spanish and highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy, and public speaking. His leadership continues to drive progress across Passaic County through a deep commitment to service, equity, and economic opportunity.

Tiffany L. Harris-Delaney, MBA, MPA

City of Paterson Director of Economic Development

Tiffany L. Harris-Delaney is an executive with experience in economic/community development, urban planning, and strategic leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. As the Director of Economic Development for New Jersey’s third-largest city, she oversees multi-million-dollar redevelopment projects, fosters public-private partnerships, and drives policies that promote sustainable growth.

With expertise in development, government relations, and strategic planning, Tiffany has led transformative initiatives, including projects that support small businesses and housing. Her career spans key leadership roles where she has successfully managed large teams, secured critical investments, and implemented policies that drive economic revitalization.

Tiffany holds an MBA and an MPA and is committed to leveraging her skills to build equitable, thriving urban environments.

Giancarlo Di Lonardo, MPP

Division of Economic Development County of Passaic Director

Giancarlo Di Lonardo is the Economic Development Director for the County of Passaic. In this role, he works to support businesses at each stage in their journey with support identifying real estate; assistance securing loans, lines of credit, and incentives; providing access to technical assistance and support; and addressing local, county, state, and federal regulatory challenges. Giancarlo works in partnership with municipal governments and other partners to create a thriving ecosystem for businesses in the County.

Prior to joining Passaic County, Giancarlo managed real estate grant and incentive programs at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA). He previously worked in asset management and planning roles at New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the State of New Jersey’s largest Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

A proud Passaic County and Hawthorne, NJ native, Giancarlo is a graduate of the Bloustein School of Planning & Economic Development at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey where he received a Master of City & Regional Planning (MCRP) and a Master of Public Policy (MPP). He received his bachelor’s degree from King’s College in Wilkes-Barre, PA where he studied political science, history, and sociology.

Carlos David Lopez

Tropical Juice Bar Co-founder & COO

From Sabana Grande de Boya, Monte Planta In the Dominican Republic, Carlos David Lopez is a Hispanic leader and restaurateur. He was born in the campo with a vision for success and a passion for the great American dream. He moved to Passaic, NJ when he was twelve years old with his family. He became a distinguished student, against the language barrier, and discrimination. While working on his passion, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business finance from William Paterson University. Following his family roots of dedicated work ethics, with over seventeen years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has become an expert in restaurant operations management.

His passion for entrepreneurship and vision for community development led to the opening of Tropical Juice Bar in 2010, with his brother. Now they have multiple corporate locations and many fully operational franchise businesses, while offering the opportunity to other entrepreneurs passionate about the hospitality industry. Currently, he serves as Chief Operations Officer of the company.

Carlos serves his hometown of Passaic NJ, as a trustee of the Passaic Affordable Housing Coalition, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to build and sell affordable homes for low-income families. In addition, he developed a mentorship program to help raise future leaders in the community and his company, by coaching local leaders and mentoring them to achieve their desired goals, while empowering others.

Carlos’s personal mission is to inspire people to “go be great” in whatever calls them.

He often speaks to small mentorship groups, high school students, and universities about making a decision to find their calling and pursue their dreams and passion.

Words of wisdom: Regardless of where you come from, the only thing that matters is your vision, your passion, and your perseverance. Believe you are going towards greatness and go be great!

Michelle Osorio

New Jersey Economic Development Authority Senior Small Business Liaison

Michelle Osorio is a Senior Small Business Liaison for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. Michelle’s role is to share information and educate business owners and community stakeholders about opportunities available to small businesses in New Jersey. Michelle Osorio has spent her career supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in underserved communities. Michelle is fluent in Spanish and has helped over 3,000 business owners navigate the complexities of business ownership in Spanish and English. Michelle is passionate about sharing information and improving equal access to opportunities for New Jersey small business owners.

LaToya Pryce, Ph.D.

Visions Federal Credit Union
Culture & Inclusion Officer

LaToya Pryce is a dedicated professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in advancing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Holding a Bachelor of Science in Marketing, an MBA in Organizational Leadership, and currently pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership (expected 2025), LaToya is deeply committed to continuous personal and professional development. Throughout her career, LaToya has held various leadership roles, with a strong focus on driving cultural change and fostering inclusive environments. As the Culture and Inclusion Officer at Visions Federal Credit Union, she leads efforts to embed DEIB into the organization’s fabric, ensuring that every employee has the opportunity to thrive in an environment of respect, empowerment, and equal opportunity. LaToya’s passion for creating workplaces where diverse voices are heard and valued fuels her ongoing work to promote an equitable and inclusive culture within her organization and the broader community.

Speaking Topics

  • Unconscious Bias
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • Allyship
  • Inclusive Leadership
  • Understanding Privilege
  • The Dimensions of Diversity

Carlos N. Sanchez

Director of Economic Development, Union Township

Carlos N. Sanchez is an inspiring individual whose life exemplifies the sacrifices of immigrant families and the pursuit of the American Dream. Born in Colombia, South America, Carlos moved to the United States in 1977 with his family. He developed a love for soccer early in life, helping his parents, who worked multiple jobs to support him and his four siblings. At just 12 years old, Carlos began working part-time while balancing his schoolwork and soccer activities. Carlos graduated from Elizabeth High School in 1984 and received a soccer and academic scholarship to Tusculum College in Tennessee. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management in 1988. After graduation, he returned to Elizabeth and embarked on a career in the Finance and Banking industry, specializing in lending, community, and business development. Eventually, he transitioned into the Economic Development field.

Carlos’s professional journey led him to serve in various capacities, including as the Business Administrator for the City of Plainfield, NJ, and as the Deputy City Administrator for Economic Development. In these roles, he worked on revitalizing and redeveloping the city, collaborating with key stakeholders to improve the quality of life for residents and support local businesses. His work also included fostering relationships with state and county officials to secure necessary resources for development projects.

Currently, Carlos serves as the Economic Development Director for the Township of Union, where he plays a key role in attracting investment, supporting small businesses, and ensuring a smooth approval process for development projects. He works closely with local leaders and departments to help businesses navigate financing programs at various levels of government. Beyond his professional responsibilities, Carlos is deeply committed to community service. He has held leadership roles in multiple organizations, including the Edison Housing Authority, Union County College, and the Edison Redevelopment Authority. He is also an active board member with Dudley Ventures Capital and the Community Advisory Board at Overlook Hospital, as well as a presenter for the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority and the Small Business Development Center.

Carlos is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Nazly, and together they have two children, Nicholes Carlos Sanchez and Carly Nicole Sanchez. The family is actively involved in their community and regularly attends Evangel Assembly of God Church in Scotch Plains, NJ. Carlos’s faith is a driving force in his life, inspiring him to help others and give back to the community that has supported him and his family.

Don Treich

Vintage City Offices Co-Owner
Real Estate Development Executive | Strategic Marketing Leader | Community Engagement Advocate

Don Treich is a dynamic real estate development and marketing professional with over a decade of experience leading large-scale projects, building stakeholder coalitions, and delivering transformative community-driven outcomes. As a Project Management Professional, Don brings a sharp analytical mindset and a people-first approach to every initiative; whether coordinating mixed-use development strategies, overseeing multimillion-dollar construction budgets, or guiding digital marketing campaigns that increase visibility and engagement.

Currently serving as Development Liaison at MAS Development in Elizabeth, NJ, Don has played a key role in advancing a 250+ unit multifamily projects, crafting neighborhood vision for redevelopment areas, and providing strategic negotiations for leasable commercial and retail spaces.

Don’s unique ability to bridge public-private partnerships is rooted in his early career in civic engagement and political organizing. From shaping workforce development programs at Kean University to leading remote teams for the U.S. Census Bureau and other local political campaigns, Don has continuously demonstrated his passion for civic impact and community upliftment.

With expertise spanning real estate operations and urban development, brand marketing and advertising, and digital strategy, Don thrives in high-stakes environments where growth, innovation, and community outcomes intersect. He is also an active mentor and contributor to numerous organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Lions Club International, and local special improvement districts.

Don holds a B.S. in Global Business from Kean University, where he was inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society, and currently lives in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Michelle Vernuccio, MBA

North Jersey Chamber of Commerce President

As the President of the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce, Michelle Vernuccio has earned the title of “marketing guru” for her exceptional ability to connect and empower businesses throughout New Jersey. Under her dynamic leadership, she and her dedicated team deliver strategic networking and marketing solutions to over 1,200 businesses across the tri-state area.
Michelle leverages her expertise in marketing, networking, and relationship-building to elevate emerging businesses, guiding them toward sustained growth and success within the vibrant networking community. She firmly believes that effective marketing begins with understanding the unique needs of a business’s target audience.
Her contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. Over the past six years, Michelle has received several prestigious accolades, including:

  • N.J. Ad Club’s Best Marketing Professional Under 40 (2018)
  • Montclair State University Distinguished PRSA Alumni Award (2018)
  • MAREJ’s Best and Brightest Under 40 (2022)

In addition to her role at the Chamber, Michelle inspires the next generation of leaders as an adjunct professor at Montclair State University, where she teaches Communication and Digital Media students the critical importance of career management, branding, networking, and social media engagement.

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